With California wrapping up its legislative session on September 14 and North Carolina adjourning on October 13, state legislatures are going into recess just in time for autumn. Even the full-time representatives are largely done with their major efforts for 2023.
So, what now? Is everyone on vacation leaf-peeping and sipping their pumpkin spice lattes?
Not exactly. This is the key time when California state legislators and their staff members will be reviewing bills that the governor has signed or vetoed and planning their strategy for next year. Legislators with vetoed bills may want to reintroduce them next year, choose another technique for accomplishing their goal, or abandon the bills altogether. Others will be sorting through ideas, constituent suggestions, input from lobbyists, and building out their “bill package” for next session.
If you or your organization have suggestions for new bills or concerns about bills that may be re-introduced by your state legislators in 2024, now is the time to reach out to them. Find out exactly who your representatives are and find their contact information online.
During our conversations with representatives, we want to emphasize that any bill which affects more than three individuals, also affects a person with a disability. A bill does not need to have the word “disability” in its title to be considered a disability issue. It is essential that legislators take into account how their legislation will impact our community.
